No longer up to date?

Ex-F1 driver: “This rule is kindergarten!”

Former racing driver and Sky pundit Martin Brundle(Bild: GEPA)

Former Formula 1 driver and current TV pundit Martin Brundle is calling for the abolition of a 50-year-old rule.

Specifically, it's about the blue flags in the premier class. As is well known, they are a sign that slower drivers have to give way to faster ones. The rule has been in the FIA handbook since 1969. Back then, the flag was intended more as a warning: "An opponent is following closely and may want to overtake," is the wording.

Since 1995, it has meant, as enshrined in the rule book: "Caution! A faster driver wants to overtake, make way!"

"This rule is kindergarten"
Ex-F1 driver and Sky expert Martin Brundle can no longer do anything with this old rule "We should abolish the blue flags. Drivers have lost the ability to skillfully find their way around stragglers," he demanded. "This rule is kindergarten. Today, everyone has to move to the side when the big boys move up."

"The problem is that today's cars are so aerodynamically sensitive that a driver moving up has the greatest difficulty overtaking."

Anyone who disregards the blue flag three times and does not give way to the driver behind them must expect a penalty.

Should this rule actually be abolished, it would certainly bring more excitement back into the races.

The next Formula 1 GP will take place in Las Vegas on November 24.